Brookhaven Elementary Kindergarten Brings Learning to Life Through ‘Kid Town’ Experiential Project

On Thursday, May 22, the kindergarten classrooms at Brookhaven Elementary School were transformed into Kid Town, a vibrant and imaginative miniature community created and operated by the school’s youngest learners. This annual event, coordinated by kindergarten educators Ms. Vitelli and Mrs. Grijalva, represents a significant culmination of the kindergarten social studies curriculum, specifically focused on concepts of community and economics.

As part of this experiential learning project, students designed and constructed various establishments—including shops, restaurants, and service stations—complete with handmade signage and creative displays. Using pretend currency, students engaged in simulated economic exchanges, allowing them to actively explore the roles of consumers, workers, and community members. Each element of Kid Town, from bakeries to post offices, was infused with student creativity and reinforced key academic concepts through hands-on application.

The entire student body of Brookhaven Elementary was invited to visit and interact with Kid Town, contributing to a school-wide atmosphere of enthusiasm and engagement. This year’s event was further distinguished by a visit from Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Board President Marilyn Anderson, who expressed her admiration for the initiative.

Principal Mrs. Fisher also underscored the broader value of the event, describing Kid Town as a treasured tradition that extends beyond academic instruction. “What I love most is how Kid Town brings the whole school together,” Fisher stated. “It creates lasting memories that students carry with them for years. Some of our older students still reflect on their time in Kid Town with great fondness.”

Through the leadership and commitment of Ms. Vitelli and Mrs. Grijalva, Kid Town remains a compelling model of how innovative instruction can make learning both meaningful and memorable.